First fully loaded LNG tanker exits Gulf since strait crisis

A fully loaded liquefied natural gas tanker has passed through the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the Middle East conflict severely disrupted shipping in early March, according to marine tracking firm Kpler.

The LNG carrier Mubaraz, operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), departed the Gulf carrying 132,890 cubic metres of LNG. The vessel had loaded cargo at Das Island in the United Arab Emirates on March 2, based on shipping data reviewed by AFP.

The Strait of Hormuz has faced major disruption since Iranian forces effectively restricted access after US and Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28. Tehran responded with regional retaliation, escalating tensions in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Following the collapse of peace talks, the United States launched a counter-blockade on April 13, turning back ships arriving from Iranian ports and boarding others in Asia, including two oil tankers.

According to Kpler analyst Charles Costerousse, the Mubaraz switched off its AIS tracking signal at the end of March for about a month before reappearing off the coast of India on Monday.

He said the vessel may have crossed the strait during the weekend of April 18-19, when several ships reportedly attempted passage, including seven LNG carriers, though this has not been officially confirmed.

Previously, the Sohar LNG had crossed the strait after March 1, but it was either empty or carrying only a light load.

The LNG market has been among the sectors hardest hit by restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Around 20 percent of global LNG trade normally passes through the waterway during peacetime, with Qatar being one of the world’s leading exporters.

MarineTraffic also reported that the oil supertanker Idemitsu Maru crossed the strait on Tuesday carrying crude oil. The vessel reportedly passed close to an Iranian checkpoint and has been identified by shipping media as linked to Japan.

Recent reports have also indicated that several Iranian oil tankers remain stationary near the strait, suggesting the US blockade may be limiting Tehran’s ability to export oil.

Tracking services identified the Nasha, an older Iranian supertanker recently returned to service, anchored in the Gulf. Bloomberg reported it was carrying two million barrels of oil.

Other tankers were reportedly clustered near Iran’s Chabahar port, west of the strait, close to the US blockade zone.

Specialist site TankerTrackers said around 20 Iranian tankers without cargo were available for loading, though the total number remains unclear. Several vessels were also said to have switched off their tracking transponders.